My nerves were a wreck. It’s one thing to talk about stepping out in faith, but it’s a whole other thing to actually do it. So, as I approached this day, I tried to reassure myself:
“I’m gonna bet on myself… Danielle, you are capable. You are smart. You are determined, in fact, you are relentless. You can do this.”
I began to remind myself of everything that I have accomplished. I began to feel confident that I can do anything that I set my mind to…
But then, I realized that my logic was all wrong. You see, in my humanity, I am just not that dependable. I may be determined, but not all the time. I may be relentless, but not all the time. There are days that I’m just not that inspired. There are days when I would rather sit around and do nothing at all. And yes, I may have accomplished some things. But, I have realized that everything I am, and everything I’ve done is because of Him.
'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. ' (Philippians 4:13)
I may not be dependable, but God is. His Spirit inspires me, when I don’t want to get out of bed in the morning. His power strengthens me, when I feel weak and I don’t want to go on. He gives me courage when I am afraid. He gives me the ability to do the unimaginable things that He’s called me to do. I haven’t done anything in my own strength. I’ve accomplished everything through His.
You see, I’ve realized that if I want to see the promise that God has given me, I can’t bet on myself. I must bet on God.
When we bet on God, we place all of our confidence in Him.
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. (Psalms 33:20-22)
Suddenly, a sense of confidence rose up inside of me. I realized that I don’t have to hold the weight of promise on my shoulders, because He would hold it for me.
You may not be strong enough to get yourself across the finish line, but your God is.
He’s strong enough to handle your lack of courage. He’s strong enough to handle your lack of determination. He’s strong enough to handle your lack of patience. He’s strong enough to handle your lack of ability.
So, if you are wondering whether or not you have the ability to walk in the purpose that God has given you, the answer is–Yes! But, I want you to understand that you won’t get there by betting on yourself. You must bet on God.
As I sat and thought about the concept of betting on God, one of Jesus’ teachings came to mind:
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27)
I realized that betting on myself is like building my house on sand. When the winds of life arrive, my strength will collapse. But, when I bet on God, it's like building my house on a solid foundation. When the winds of life arrive, I will remain strong. Why? Because He is strong.
We can walk in the purpose of God when we walk with the strength of God.
You may be in a position of disappointment…a place where you feel like you are at a disadvantage. But, I want you to understand that it doesn’t matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter what you have or what you don’t have. If you approach your purpose armed with the strength of the Lord, you will be successful.
David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you,... (1 Samuel 17:45-46)
Young David understood the facts. He understood that he was facing a giant with much more military experience than he had. He understood that technically, he was at a huge disadvantage. But, David understood something else as well. He understood that he was not alone. He was confident because he had the Lord of Heaven’s Armies right by his side.
Yes, the call of God is difficult. Yes, it is something beyond what you are capable of…something beyond what you have enough resources for. But stop worrying about what you have and don’t have. Don’t bet on yourself, bet on God.
With His help, you will walk the path to purpose. With His help, you will experience His promise. Lean on His strength. He’ll never leave your side.
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. (Psalms 121:1-8)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence. Thank you for never leaving my side. Today, I have been reminded that I don’t have to bet on myself, I don’t have to rely on my own strength, because I can rely on you, Father. I can rely on you to enable me when I’m not capable. I can rely on you to strengthen me, when I feel weak. I know that as long as I trust in you, and as long as I follow your voice, I will see the promises that you have given me. I love you, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Comentarios